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Striatal dysfunction in attention deficit and hyperkinetic disorder.
H C Lou1, L Henriksen, P Bruhn
1Department of Neuropediatrics, J. F. Kennedy Institute, Glostrup, Denmark.
Archives of Neurology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is linked to reduced blood flow in the striatal regions. This hypoperfusion, particularly in the striatum, may be a key characteristic of ADHD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
Background:
- Previous research indicated hypoperfusion in periventricular structures in Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
- This study expanded patient numbers and investigated regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in ADHD patients with and without comorbid neurological symptoms.
Observation:
- Xenon-133 inhalation and emission tomography were used to assess rCBF.
- Patients were divided into pure ADHD and ADHD with other neurologic symptoms groups.
- A control group was included for comparison.
Findings:
- Both ADHD groups exhibited hypoperfusion and inferred hypofunction in striatal regions.
- Statistically significant hypoperfusion was observed in the right striatum in pure ADHD, and in both striata in the ADHD with comorbidities group.
- Primary sensory and sensorimotor cortical regions showed high perfusion.
- Methylphenidate administration increased rCBF in striatal and posterior periventricular areas, while decreasing it in sensory cortical regions.
Implications:
- Low striatal activity, potentially reversible with methylphenidate, appears to be a core feature of ADHD.
- These findings contribute to understanding the neurobiology of ADHD and the mechanism of action of stimulant medication.